Demonised: The Crows make their way off the MCG after their 96-point flogging by Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday. Photo: Getty Images

''I don't know, it's a good question I suppose, and it's something that we are going to have to work out: how and why,'' Rutten said yesterday

The Crows have further injury concerns in star onballer Scott Thompson (calf) and fellow midfielder Patrick Dangerfield (concussion), while rookie-listed Matthew Wright will have scans on a suspected knee strain.

Shoulder surgery on Friday confirmed key defender Phil Davis will miss the rest of the season, one of a dozen Crows on the injured list.

Rutten rated the lame loss to the Demons as probably the most disappointing in his 154-game career.

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''It's an experience all these players will probably remember for their whole careers,'' he said.

''It's a great example of what can happen when you're not quite switched on.

''We will use it the best we can to learn and feel the pain of that loss and make sure that it doesn't happen again.''

The full-back said Melbourne, a club under siege entering the clash with the Crows, offered an example of how quickly fortunes could change in the AFL.

''Their ability to be able to respond in a week, and their performance on the weekend, was exceptional,'' Rutten said.

''And that is what we need to be able to do.

''I hope it's just the one bad game because it's something we haven't produced for four quarters so far this year.

''And it's not something I think we'll serve up again.''

Adelaide hosts AFL newcomer Gold Coast on Saturday, with both clubs on two wins for the season. ''They have got some exciting players and some players that can do some freakish things,'' Rutten said. ''They're starting to get some continuity with the way each other plays, and the level of consistency of their game is really improving.

''They're a young exciting team and we have got the challenge in front of us to be able to respond pretty quickly.''